Various and sundry thoughts on living with type 1 diabetes since 1983. Former Chicagoan now living in Texas.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Show Me the Money

Some other bloggers (Bernard, AmyT) in the OC are talking about the various costs of diabetes care today. This has been a past topic as well (for Kerri, Scott, Amylia and others), but it seems the "outside world" is only just now getting clued in to how much these numbers mean to us PWDs. Personally I've been lucky to avoid complications all these years, but I know others have these additional burdens, and someday it may be my turn in their shoes. My relatively good health hasn't come cheap, though. In preparing for my taxes, I discovered that I spent over $2,000 out-of-pocket on prescriptions and doctor visit co-pays for last year alone. This is no doubt far lower than what some others pay, but it still adds up. Add to that the days off work for things regular people don't usually give a second thought to (the flu, bad colds, and the ensuing blood sugar rollercoaster). And healthy eating can be expensive. Thank God I'm able to work and my husband also has a job; I'm also grateful for all the years my parents were able to help me out with either insurance coverage, or help with the hefty premiums. Without them I don't think I'd be as healthy as I am now.All the same, we can't doubt the value of our care--after all, what's the alternative?

I think it's important to know, much of that cost is attributed to "uncontrolled" diabetes. But without the money to educate and ability to afford the necessary tools, it will only increase. As Chris said, "Thank God for insurance." I feel lucky and blessed to be able to afford good care. I had NO IDEA how expensive it is to have diabetes!

On another note, I'm glad you commented on my blog, because it led me to your great site! Thanks.

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